Jackson memorial sideshow is a real circus -- complete with elephants, zebras and tigers

Authorities are trying to keep the Michael Jackson memorial from turning into a circus.  But at the same time, they are preparing for a real circus -- the type with animals and ringmasters.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, which starts a five-day engagement at Staples on Wednesday, is scheduled to undertake the circus tradition of marching its elephants into town. A passel of elephants will start walking from Union Station to Staples Center at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to Kathy Davis, interim manager of the city's Animal Services department, which issued the permit to Ringling Bros.

The circus has already trucked 12 tigers into place on a back lot behind Staples Center. Five zebras were spotted this afternoon around Staples. Ringling Bros. will also truck in three ponies and 30 dogs.

-- Geoff Boucher at Staples Center and Carla Hall

Comments

[Frances]

What they meant by a circus. There's a Barnum and Bailey Circus there at the Staples!

[Jet]

I hope that Ringling Bros. is finally more animal friendly. Circus' are so, passe'.

[Diane J.]

This is more than a coincidence ~ what are the chances of this circus coming to the same city, and the precise same venue, and the very same day as the memorial service for Michael - it's the way he would have staged it, if he were making all the plans - absolutely heaven-sent.

[Dave Smith]

They should be charging for the Staples Memorial that's not the burial site or anything to do with the immediate family.

I would put the bid on Ebay for max dollars so the city can make $ instead of taxing the locals again.

Also I don't think the Dodgers should be allowing the nutcases to have access to their parking lot.

[Tony]

LILY TOMLIN & Michael Jackson want you to know about ELEPHANT SUFFERING: http://www.helpelephants.com/

[Nat]

what a stupid way to get us to click on this.

[Roy From Atwater]

Boy, this sure beats MJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lee Ann]

This isn't the least bit amusing. Elephants - and other animals shouldn't be forced into a lifelong cruel existence of life in a cage traveling the country so that man can be entertained.

Those circus owners should watch the Twilight Zone episode with Roddy McDowall called "People Are Alike All Over".

I would never attend a circus - ever. This should be illegal.

[Lee Ann]

Protest this animal abuse to Staples:

http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/help/contact/index.html

[Joanne]

Jackson had a lot of animals but did not take good care of them.
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/regulation-pets/article/979

[Hanford Jr.]

... Michael woulda LOVED that?! As a print-journalist of 35+ yrs. in the mainstream-&-gay media on both coasts, 17 with "Billboard Magazine" (BB) in L.A., Vegas-&-here in the Bflo./Rochester, NY markets, I also worked for two, major PR firms in L.A.

- Reviewed The Jackson 5 for BB on their "Victory" tour in 1984 here in Bflo. & also met him via the PR co.'s in S. CA. Knew Michael BEFORE the Elvis-type/low-lifes helped RUIN his! & DON'T get me STARTED on "Daddy Dearest" JOE!!!

... Hope today's memorial will successfully capture Jacko's musical legacy-&-his +, creative force.

[ddm97]

I think it's kind of fitting that the circus is actually coming to town on the day of MJ's funeral and memorial. By all accounts he loved this kind of stuff and his Neverland Ranch is a testament to that. Rather than be offended, I hope his fans and family look at this as a sign that life goes on. What more fitting way to end a period of mourning for a beloved pop star than to have the same room filled the next day with children laughing and enjoying the thrill and fun of a circus.

[kat]

the ringling bros torture their animals to make them do tricks 1 lion died because of them ! they also beat their own elephants with bull hooks they should not be aloud to be performing ! it is wrong. stay away from any animal circus !